Top 5 January Window Signings And Here’s Our Verdict On Them
On most occasions, the January window is usually a calmer version of the frenetic summer window but this time, it felt almost equally high-octane, if not more. With that in mind, we give you an insight into the top 5 signings of the recently concluded transfer window and rate them.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Arsenal
For a club whose central striker has managed to score only 9 goals so far this season, it must’ve been a huge deal to secure the signature of a prolific star like Aubameyang, who has already netted more than 20 goals in the Bundesliga in the first half of the season. The Gunners have been crying out for a lethal striker for ages now and it seems like their prayers have finally been answered. Aubameyang is speedy, agile and boasts of a sublime knack for scoring goals. In fact, he is everything Arsenal have needed all this while.
SS Verdict – He is definitely worth the money and he is a player that can single-handedly improve the team’s overall condition. With pressure on Wenger to secure a Champions League spot at the very least, Aubameyang can certainly prove to be a valuable addition. On a side note, Sven Mislintat’s influence is clearly working wonders for the club.
https://youtu.be/t6oY3uCv4Jg
Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool
Van Dijk was pursued actively by Liverpool for a good majority of the summer window but they failed to land him due to a fair amount of complications. However, then Manchester City were suddenly believed to be the front-runners in landing him and after a couple of dramatic rumours, the Reds announced his signing in late December. Given their defensive frailties, there is no surprise as to why Jurgen Klopp was so keen on completing a deal for him. It will be interesting to see what value he can add to the club.
SS Verdict – Van Dijk is arguably one of the best central defenders in the Premier League and it makes sense as to why they were so particular about bringing him to Anfield. However, since then, he has failed to hit the ground running and that has led to the frustration of the fans. On face value, it is a necessary deal but we will have to wait and see how he fares in the upcoming few games.
https://youtu.be/rospWseGZQQ
Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United
If you were bored of the Van Dijk drama, the Sanchez saga was definitely a lot spicier. Seemingly destined to join Manchester City to link up with his former manager Pep Guardiola, Sanchez was linked to possibly every single top-six team in the Premier League. The City rumours sounded strong enough but suddenly, Manchester United appeared to be frontrunners and they eventually signed him in a swap-deal involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
SS Verdict – Well, Sanchez is a talented player but is he really worth the hefty wages he is receiving at Old Trafford? Also, when one considers how easily he left Arsenal when the going got tough, there is no doubt that he might try to do the same with United as well.
Olivier Giroud to Chelsea
This was definitely a shock deal but on some level, it does make sense for the towering Frenchman since his chances would be all the more limited with Aubameyang and Lacazette in the mix. He has been a loyal servant for Arsenal for years but he can definitely hope for better opportunities at Chelsea, with Michy Batshuayi now out on loan. The Blues have lacked a poacher and to that end, Giroud seems like a truly valuable addition.
SS Verdict – A good deal, no doubt. Alvaro Morata has been crumbling under pressure and to have an experienced impact sub like Giroud can truly help the defending champions in the days to come.
Gerard Deulofeu to Watford
This was yet another unexpected deal. The Hornets have been in need of a lethal attacker and the young Deulofeu definitely seems like a solid option. With Richarlison working wonders on one flank, the fans must be relishing the thought of watching the Barcelona star on the other. The combined talents of these two players can truly revamp the club’s attack and it will be interesting to see how they work together.
SS Verdict – Although unexpected, this seems like a rather shrewd move. With Marco Silva out of the club, a lot will depend on how Javi Gracia fares for the remaining half of the season. With a talented attacker like Deulofeu in the mix, there is no limit as to what they can achieve before the season comes to an end.
https://youtu.be/h7qpl2dFhTY